Data screen · ranked by 3-year return · as of 10 October 2026
Best Index Funds - Debt Funds Mutual Funds in India (October 2026)
The 5 Index Funds - Debt Funds funds with the highest 3-year annualised return in our dataset. This is a screen using one disclosed rule, not a recommendation — read the method and risks below before drawing any conclusion.
| # | Fund | 3Y (p.a.) | 1Y | 5Y (p.a.) | Expense ratio | AUM | Riskometer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Axis CRISIL IBX SDL May 2027 Index Fund Axis Mutual Fund |
+7.69% | +5.86% | — | — | — | — |
| 2 | HSBC CRISIL IBX 50:50 Gilt Plus SDL Apr 2028 Index Fund HSBC Mutual Fund |
+7.58% | +5.14% | — | — | — | — |
| 3 | Axis Crisil IBX 50:50 Gilt Plus SDL September 2027 Index Fund Axis Mutual Fund |
+7.55% | +5.41% | — | — | — | — |
| 4 | HSBC CRISIL IBX Gilt June 2027 Index Fund HSBC Mutual Fund |
+7.46% | +5.25% | — | — | — | — |
| 5 | Mirae Asset CRISIL IBX Gilt Index - April 2033 Index Fund Mirae Asset Mutual Fund |
+7.39% | +2.68% | — | — | — | — |
How this list is made
- Universe: Direct Growth plans classified by AMFI as Index Funds - Debt Funds, from the 5 funds in this category that have at least 3 years of NAV history in Market Dekho's dataset. The dataset is a curated set of major fund houses, not every fund in India.
- Rule: sorted by 3-year annualised return (CAGR) from daily NAV history; top 5 shown. Returns for periods under 1 year are absolute; 1 year and longer are as stated in the column heads.
- Data date: NAV data as of 10 October 2026. Expense ratio, AUM and riskometer come from AMFI filings and may lag. Missing values show a dash.
- What it ignores: risk-adjusted performance, consistency across market cycles, fund-manager changes, taxes, exit load and your own goal.
Read the risk before the return
A high 3-year return can reflect a strong market phase or a concentrated, higher-risk portfolio. Check each fund's riskometer, look at its full history on its own page, and compare costs via the expense ratio. Funds in the same category can behave very differently in a falling market.
Not sure what fits you?
This page ranks past returns only. To learn how to compare funds on your own, start with the free SIP vs lumpsum lesson. For a review of a holding you already own, use Samjho Bhai.
Learn how to compare funds →Other categories
Frequently asked questions
How are these Index Funds - Debt Funds funds ranked?
Funds are ranked by 3-year annualised return, using each fund's Direct Growth NAV history, among 5 comparable Index Funds - Debt Funds funds in Market Dekho's dataset. It is a single, mechanical rule and does not measure quality, risk or suitability.
Is the top-ranked Index Funds - Debt Funds fund the right one for me?
Not necessarily. A ranking by past return does not say whether a fund suits your goal, time horizon or risk tolerance, and past performance does not guarantee future returns. Market Dekho is not a SEBI-registered investment adviser; consider your own situation or speak to a SEBI-registered adviser.
Does this list cover every Index Funds - Debt Funds fund?
No. It covers funds from a curated set of major fund houses in Market Dekho's dataset, so funds outside the dataset are not ranked here.
Key terms: NAV · Expense ratio · Direct plan and regular plan · Riskometer · CAGR · SIP
How this data works · Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks; read all scheme-related documents carefully. Market Dekho is not a SEBI-registered investment adviser. Found an error? marketdekho01@gmail.com